‘Absolutely’ – Eddie Howe leaves door open to Newcastle United double signing as five-year deal agreed

Newcastle United continue to lay down a foundation for long-term success by investing in promising young talent, with the club finalizing moves for two exciting prospects—16-year-old Giorgi Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi and 18-year-old Antonio Cordero from Malaga.

These signings reflect a dual-pronged strategy by manager Eddie Howe and the recruitment team, balancing immediate first-team ambitions with future squad sustainability.

Salia is set to officially join Newcastle on a five-year professional contract beginning August 30. The teenager has already shown glimpses of his potential, having scored six goals in 29 league matches for Dinamo Tbilisi last season, and adding another goal in 15 appearances so far this campaign, predominantly operating from the left wing.

His performances have attracted attention, and Newcastle’s move to secure his signature marks a significant investment in youth development.

Eddie Howe, speaking on Salia’s impending arrival, revealed he had personally spoken with the player, his family, and his representatives.

He praised the young winger’s character and attitude, describing him as someone eager to learn and develop. While Salia’s immediate pathway within the club remains undecided, Howe made it clear that the young Georgian has the potential to make an impact in the long run.

The club’s strategy suggests that Salia will be sent out on loan for the 2025–26 season, mirroring the approach taken with previous signings like Yankuba Minteh, who joined from Odense in 2023.

Minteh spent the season at Feyenoord before completing a big-money move to Brighton without ever playing a match for Newcastle—a clear demonstration of the club’s ability to generate value through youth acquisitions.

Cordero, another left-sided attacking talent, has also reportedly agreed a five-year professional deal with Newcastle, set to commence after his contract with Malaga expires at the end of June.

This season, he has been a standout performer in Spain’s second division, scoring six goals and providing seven assists across 37 appearances. His development has caught the attention of scouts across Europe, but Newcastle acted quickly to secure his services ahead of the competition.

Like Salia, the plan for Cordero includes a loan move next season, giving him an opportunity to develop further with regular first-team football before potentially returning to fight for a place at St James’ Park.

Although these acquisitions won’t be the primary focus of Howe’s immediate strategy—which centers around strengthening the current first team—the manager acknowledged the value of building a pipeline of talented youngsters who could eventually break through.

While his time and energy are primarily dedicated to players already competing at the Premier League level, Howe emphasized the importance of ensuring that the club’s overall structure supports youth integration.

He underscored the financial and sporting logic of developing players internally and providing them with realistic routes to senior football.

The commitment to youth is not simply rhetorical. Howe has already demonstrated a willingness to give opportunities to emerging players. Nineteen-year-old Lewis Miley has become a regular fixture in the first-team setup, and Trevan Sanusi made his senior debut earlier this season.

Additionally, young talents like Leo Shahar and Sean Neave have been involved with the squad on matchdays and in training sessions, further highlighting Newcastle’s inclusive developmental philosophy.

This approach is part of a broader vision where young prospects are not only recruited for potential resale value but also given a chance to thrive and grow within the club.

As Newcastle aims to reestablish itself among the Premier League’s elite and compete consistently for major honors following their Carabao Cup breakthrough, the integration of youth talent remains a key part of the blueprint.

Howe has left the door wide open for players like Salia and Cordero to eventually stake a claim in the first team, provided they prove themselves during their developmental journeys.

The manager spoke with enthusiasm about the opportunities available for players in the age groups below senior level, noting that the window to progress is very much open and encouraged by the club.

He praised Shahar and Neave’s progress in training and expressed satisfaction with their attitude and performance, reaffirming the club’s dedication to offering real chances to those who work hard and show promise.

Newcastle’s model is becoming increasingly clear: recruit intelligently, develop systematically, and reward progress with opportunity.

While the spotlight may remain fixed on first-team acquisitions during transfer windows, the groundwork being laid behind the scenes could very well determine the club’s long-term competitiveness at the highest level.